The work, announced last week by the Department of Defense, will be performed in Newport New, Va. and is projected to be completed by August 2021. The Navy has already directed $1.5 billion in fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion funds, and $56 million in fiscal 2016 funds, toward the project.

The USS George Washington has started its 48-month long midlife overhaul cycle after spending seven years forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan. The Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Newport News is the only private shipyard in the United States capable of upgrade and refueling work on nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The RCOH of the George Washington will be different than other U.S. carriers due to the Washington's unique cycle of short deployments combined with shorter maintenance or "availability" cycles.

The Washington has had more frequent work done on most of its systems compared to other carriers, but the lack of ability of Yokosuka to do major work on nuclear propulsion systems compared to Newport News means it's propulsion systems need more extensive work.

The George Washington entered dry dock on August 4, with major preparations in the shipyard already near completion. The work will eventually require cutting large holes in the ship's hull required for the removal and refurbishment of major system, including the onboard nuclear power plant.